Softibe, who designed the CE, IIRC, suggest putting it last. That's good enough for me.

There was a massive debate about this when it came out, I will try to find the thread, if I have time. Craig did some very interesting tests on the different emulations.

One train of thought was that the effects would be exaggerated if put before compressors, etc.

As to trying to emulate the "real world":
In the good/bad old days, we would often record direct to tape to get as clean a signal as possible, and then bring it into the console for mixing. The inserts (compressors, etc.), would come first in the chain and then pass through the rest of the desk. So maybe putting it last would be more realistic.

Obviously, this wasn't the only way to work, so I guess there is no hard and fast rule - just like the analog days.

Finally, Seth P, Brandon, Noel, Softube etc seemed to recommend using it last, so make of that what you will.

tlw
The "overdrive before or after fuzz, eq the distortion or vice versa?" question is as relevant for hardware and well-written software processors as it is for guitar pedals.

I totally get that, but it's fair to say that these are very subtle compared to a fuzz pedal.

stevee9c6
My point remains, why not set up in what is widely considered the correct signal path from the get go?  

Because what might be good for you, isn't good for someone else.
By having the option to choose your default routing, it gives the opportunity for all to be happy, not just some
 

berlymahn
@chuckebaby - thank you.

 
No problem Rodger

I do agree it's a matter of taste as to where the Console Emulator is placed. I seem to remember Cakewalk initially suggested it was put first in the chain, so the effects following would work on the sound as it might appear coming through a real Console.
 
Not long after, it seemed the consensus was to place it after any effects in the Pro Channel, I "assume" to make sure said effects worked on a clean signal and the Emulator would work its magic, as an effect, on the sound at the end.
 
Myself, I almost always use the Console Emulator first, and my project templates reflect that, as this seems (to my mind if not my ears) to give the tracks more of the effect I want. Of course this could mean I just can't hear very well and need to have more of the effect in order to hear any appreciable difference.
 
But, I do really like this effect and I tend to use it in spades. I often find I have to dial it back towards the end of the mix because I've overdone it.
 
As to which Console I prefer.......no that's another thread.

"Because what might be good for you, isn't good for someone else.
By having the option to choose your default routing, it gives the opportunity for all to be happy, not just some "
 
"As to trying to emulate the "real world":
In the good/bad old days, we would often record direct to tape to get as clean a signal as possible, and then bring it into the console for mixing. The inserts (compressors, etc.), would come first in the chain and then pass through the rest of the desk. So maybe putting it last would be more realistic."
 
 
Well, I'm certainly not suggesting that it be placed in a fixed fashion.  Whatever works for folks is what works for them.
At this point reading some of the comments, I am beginning to feel like I must have somehow misinterpreted my Berklee class as well as the past thread that the Bakers joined in on. In the thread I recall, the channel emulation was suggested as the first effect in the chain. This was specifically stated by one of the Bakers.  Maybe I am just senile at this point!  Regarding the comment about recording direct to tape for the cleanest signal... hmm, been at this since the mid 60's. I guess I must have missed that technique.  I have always recorded via the console using the direct outs going to tape/digital media.  I have not used a large format console for about 8 years now as I now work primarily with songwriters recording one or two tracks at a time.  Again, thanks to all for the cordiality and pleasant discussion.